Endoscope Anchoring Device

ABSTRACT

A device for accessing tissue within a body lumen comprises an elongated body portion defining a lumen and an anchoring mechanism including an expanding structure on a distal portion of the elongated body portion. The anchoring mechanism moves the expanding structure from an insertion configuration in which the expanding structure is constricted against the device to an operative configuration in a body in which the expanding structure expands away from the device without altering a length of the anchoring mechanism in combination with a control mechanism for selectively engaging the anchoring mechanism.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the priority to the U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 61/020,556, entitled “Endoscope Anchoring Device” filed Jan.11, 2008. The specification of the above-identified application isincorporated herewith by reference.

BACKGROUND

Endoscopes are often inadvertently moved away from target locationswithin body lumens. This may result from forces accidentally applied tothe endoscope, natural body motion, muscular activity (e.g.,peristalsis) and/or resistances to the positioning of the endoscopeaccumulated during insertion. Such inadvertent movement of an endoscoperelative to a target location may cause discomfort and/or trauma and maycomplicate and/or reduce the efficacy of the procedure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a device for accessing tissuewithin a body lumen, the device comprising an elongated body portiondefining a lumen and an anchoring mechanism including an expandingstructure on a distal portion of the elongated body portion, theanchoring mechanism moving the expanding structure from an insertionconfiguration in which the expanding structure is constricted againstthe device to an operative configuration in a body in which theexpanding structure expands away from the device without altering alength of the anchoring mechanism in combination with a controlmechanism for selectively engaging the anchoring mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a device according to a first exemplaryembodiment of the present invention in position within a body lumen;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a device according to a second exemplaryembodiment of the present invention in position within a body lumen;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a device according to a third exemplaryembodiment of the present invention in position within a body lumen;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a device according to a fourth exemplaryembodiment of the present invention in position within a body lumen;

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a device according to a fifth exemplaryembodiment of the present invention in position within a body lumen;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of a device according to a sixth exemplaryembodiment of the present invention in position within a body lumen;

FIG. 7 shows a side view of a device according to a sixth exemplaryembodiment of the present invention in position within a body lumen;

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a device according to a seventh exemplaryembodiment of the present invention in position within a body lumen; and

FIG. 9 shows a side view of a device according to an eight exemplaryembodiment of the present invention in position within a body lumen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention, which may be further understood with reference tothe following description and the appended drawings, relates to devicesand methods for securing endoscopes in desired positions within bodylumens. For example, the present devices and methods may be used tosecure an endoscope in a body lumen such as the duodenum, esophagus,large intestine, gastrointestinal tract, etc. It is submitted that,although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention aredescribed with respect to particular lumens and procedures, they are notmeant to limit the applicability of the present invention.

Devices and methods according to the present invention employ anendoscope provided with a gripping portion formed on a distal endthereof. It is noted that the use of the term distal herein refers to adirection away from a user of the device while the term proximal refersto a direction approaching the user of the device (e.g., a physician).Proximal portions of the devices disclosed herein remain external to thepatient when in an operative position while distal portions of thedevice are inserted into the body, for example, via a naturallyoccurring orifice and one or more body lumens.

As shown in FIG. 1, a device 100 according to a first embodiment of theinvention includes an endoscope 100 with an anchoring mechanism 150formed on a distal end 102 thereof. The anchoring mechanism 150 engagestissue (e.g., lumenal tissue 140) to resist movement of the endoscope101 relative thereto. In use, a user inserts the endoscope 101 throughthe lumen 140 to a target location. Those skilled in the art willunderstand that the target location is often specific to the procedurebeing performed and the anatomy of the individual patient and may, forexample, be located using a vision system formed in the distal end 102of the endoscope 101. As would be further understood by those skilled inthe art, the endoscope 101 is preferably sufficiently flexible toconform to curvatures in the lumen 140 while maintaining a degree oflongitudinal rigidity required to transmit to the distal end 102 forcesapplied to a proximal portion 104 to urge the endoscope 101 distallythrough the lumen 140 without bunching in the lumen 140.

The anchoring mechanism 150 includes a plurality of retractable ribs 151coupled to an actuator 120 on a proximal end 104 of the endoscope 101(i.e., formed on a portion of the endoscope 101 which remains accessibleto the user throughout the procedure). The ribs 151 are preferablymaintained in a retracted position in which they lie substantially flatalong an outer surface 103 of the endoscope 101 to minimize a profilethereof during insertion and retraction of the endoscope through thelumen 140 to minimize trauma to lumenal tissue. Then, when the endoscope101 has reached a desired location within the lumen 140 and it isdesired to maintain the endoscope 101 in this position, the useroperates the actuator 120 to move the ribs 151 away from this insertionconfiguration to a deployed configuration in which the ribs 151 extendradially outward from the outer surface 103 to frictionally engage thewalls of the lumen 140. Proximal ends of the ribs 151 may, for example,be coupled to a ring 153 slidably mounted within the outer surface 103while distal ends of the ribs 151 are fixed in place. In the insertionconfiguration, the ring 153 is withdrawn proximally so that the ribs 151lay flat against the outer surface 103 of the endoscope 101. When theactuator 120 is operated to move the ribs 151 to the deployedconfiguration, the ring 153 is urged distally by, for example, aflexible pushing member 122 coupled between the ring 153 and theactuator 120. As the ring 153 moves distally, the ribs 151 arelongitudinally compressed causing them to bow radially outward (e.g.,via slots in the outer surface 103). The actuator 120 may then be lockedin this position using any known mechanism (e.g., friction fit, ratchetmechanism, etc.) to maintain the anchoring mechanism 150 in the deployedconfiguration until the user wishes to remove the endoscope 101 or tomove it to another location in the lumen 140. At this point, the usermoves the actuator 120 to its original position allowing the anchoringmechanism 150 to return to the insertion configuration with the ribs 151lying flat within slots in the outer surface 103. Those skilled in theart will understand that the anchoring mechanism may be moved from thedeployed to the insertion configuration under a spring bias of the ribs151, through the motion of the actuator 120 of via any other suitableknown mechanism.

The bowed shape and lateral extent of the actuated ribs 151 ispreferably selected to engage the walls of a lumen 140 with a desiredforce sufficient to hold the endoscope 101 in place in the lumen 140, asshown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, even when subjected to inadvertentforces of an expected magnitude. As would be understood by those skilledin the art, the pushing member 122 may be replaced by a system offilaments and pulleys to move the ring 153 proximally and distally asdesired or by any other suitable mechanism or combination of mechanisms.

The ribs 151 preferably comprise a flexible, substantially biocompatiblematerial (e.g., a plastic such as Polyetheretherketone (“PEEK”),polyimide, etc. or a metal such as Nitinol, stainless steel, etc.).Furthermore, the ribs 151 may be substantially equally dispersed aboutthe circumference of the endoscope 101 to center the endoscope 101within the lumen 140. Alternatively, as would be understood by thoseskilled in the art, if it is desired that a particular side of theendoscope 101 be located adjacent to a wall of the lumen 140, the ribs151 may be sized appropriately around the endoscope 101 to achieve anydesired position of the distal end 102 within the lumen 140.

In addition, the length (extent parallel to a longitudinal axis of theendoscope 101) and width (extent perpendicular to the longitudinal axis)of each of the ribs 151 may be the same or, in the alternative, may varyto achieve any desired distribution of the anchoring force to theportions of the walls of the lumen 140. Furthermore, the contactingsurface of each of the ribs 151 may be composed of a high frictionmaterial or, alternatively, the contacting surface may be a ribbedsurface with a plurality of protrusions such as bumps to aid in grippingthe walls of the lumen 140, as those skilled in the art will understand.Furthermore, the ribs 151 may be formed of different shapes and need notbe formed in the arc shape shown in FIG. 1. For example, as shown inFIG. 2, the device 100 may comprise ribs 152 each of which contains aseries of bends and curves along a longitudinal length thereof. As wouldbe understood by those skilled in the art, the bends may increase agripping force exerted thereby to the lumen 140. The design of the ribs152 may comprise any plurality of bends and curves therein.

As described above, the endoscope 101 is inserted into the lumen 140with the anchoring mechanism 150 in the insertion configuration (i.e.,with the ribs 151 flat against the outer surface 103) to minimize traumato the lumen 140. Once a user of the endoscope 101 has traversed theendoscope 101 to a target area, the actuator 120 is moved to adistal-most position, thereby engaging the ribs 151 with the walls ofthe lumen 140. The actuator 120 may further be provided with a lockingfeature or friction fit design to prevent the actuator 120 from slidingprematurely. When a designated procedure is complete, the actuator 120may once again be retracted and the endoscope 101 may be removed fromthe lumen 140. Although the actuator 120 has been described as aslidable trigger, the actuator 120 may be triggered in any suitablemanner (i.e., push-button trigger, etc.) without deviating from thespirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it is noted thatthe device 100 may be sized to minimally obstruct a working channel ofan endoscope, so as to allow ample space for tool delivery therethrough.

As shown in FIG. 3, a device 200 according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention includes an endoscope 201 which may be employed in amanner similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 1. The endoscope 201may be provided with an actuator 220 that may be used to retract andexpand a anchoring mechanism 250 located on a distal end 202 thereof.The anchoring mechanism 250 comprises a series of flexible wires 251,each extending around a section of the distal end 202 of the endoscope201. The flexible wires 251 may be formed of a wire material such asNitinol or stainless steel which can withstand high amounts of elasticdeformation before a permanent deformation sets in, as those skilled inthe art will understand. Each of the flexible wires 251 extends out of acorresponding pair of holes 255 placed separated from one another aroundthe circumference of the distal end 202 substantially equally positionedalong the length of the endoscope 201. Each of the flexible wires 251may be connected, by known means, to an internally located control cableor filament 222 extending to an actuator 220 on a proximal portion 204of the endoscope 201. Each of the flexible wires 251 acts as a radialspring, wherein each loop of the flexible wires 251 may be connected tothe control cable or filament 222.

As described above in regard to the endoscope 101, when the endoscope201 is being traversed to a target area in the body, the anchoringmechanism 250 is maintained in an insertion configuration wherein eachof the flexible wires 251 is constricted to fit snugly around a radialportion of the endoscope 201. Specifically, retraction of the controlcable or filament via the actuator 220 may exert a force on each of theflexible wires 251, pulling a length of each of the flexible wires 251into the endoscope 201 and causing the restriction of each of theflexible wires 251 against the endoscope 201. Once a target area hasbeen reached, the user moves the actuator 220 distally to expand theflexible wire 251 radially outward to place a desired amount of pressureon the walls of the lumen 240, securing the endoscope 201 in place.Specifically, the actuation of the actuator 220 forces a length of eachof the flexible wires 251 out of the endoscope 201, thereby increasing aradial length of each loop formed therein. The increased radial lengthof each of the loops made by the flexible wires 251 causes a radialexpansion, thereby engaging the flexible wires 251 with the inner wallsof a lumen. When the procedure has been completed, the user operates theactuator 220 to move the anchoring mechanism 250 to the insertionconfiguration to release the endoscope 201 for movement through thelumen 240 to a new target location or for removal from the body.

As shown in FIG. 4, a device 300 according to yet another embodiment ofthe present invention comprises an endoscope 301 with a anchoringmechanism 350 located on a distal end 302 thereof. As with thepreviously described embodiments, the anchoring mechanism 350 iswithdrawn into an insertion configuration before the endoscope 301 isinserted into a lumen 340 and advanced therethrough. The anchoringmechanism 350 of the embodiment of FIG. 3 comprises a coil 351 extendingaround a portion of the distal end 302 of the endoscope 301. As would beunderstood by those skilled in the art the coil 351 may be formed of anysuitable biocompatible material such as, for example, Nitinol, preformedstainless steel wire cables, similar to snare loop cables or polymers.

A proximal end of the coil 351 may be connected to a deploying mechanismwhich is, in turn, coupled to an actuator (not shown) as in the previousembodiments. The deploying mechanism may include, for example, a ring353 coupled to the actuator via a cable or filament(s) 322 to move theanchoring mechanism 350 between the insertion configuration in which thewire 351 is snugly received around the distal end 302 of the endoscope301 and a deployed configuration in which the wire 351 is radiallyexpanded to engage tissue of the lumen 340 to anchor the distal end 302in a target position. It may be particularly advantageous to employ amaterial with shape memory properties herein, as such a material canretain a deployment shape (i.e., an expanded coil shape) for an extendedperiod of time while strained to a high level, such as in the insertionconfiguration, as detailed below. Actuation of the coil 351, which mayexhibit shape memory properties as noted above, may be similar to thatof the embodiment of FIG. 2. Specifically, actuation of a proximallylocated actuator (not shown) may cause the cable or filament 322 to movedistally, thereby causing the coil 351 to expand radially and conform tothe walls of the lumen 340. Conversely, a retraction of the actuator(not shown) may cause the cable or filament 322 to move proximally,thereby shortening the radial length of the coil 351 and causing aconstriction of the coil 351 against the endoscope 301. As would beunderstood by those skilled in the art, the outer surface of the distalend 302 may include a recess within which the wire 351 may be receivedwhen in the insertion configuration so that the outer surface issubstantially smooth. The wire 351 can extend out of a proximal slit 360formed on the outer surface of the endoscope 301 and coils around thedistal end 302 to a distal slit 361 through which the wire 351 re-entersthe endoscope 301 to which the distal end of the wire 351 is attached,for example, via any known means such as bonding or welding. In analternate embodiment, the wire 351 may be attached to a component suchas a ring, which is, in turn, attached or releasably attached to theendoscope 301.

As would be understood by those skilled in the art, the size and shapeof the wire 351 is preferably selected so that a desired anchoring forceis applied to the tissue of the lumen 340 (i.e., a desired frictionalengagement is established between the endoscope 301, and the surroundingtissue) when the anchoring mechanism is in the deployed configuration.The wire 351 may be formed, for example, as a substantially planarribbon with a surface that may be textured or otherwise treated orcoated to enhance the frictional engagement of the surrounding tissue.In these cases, the endoscope 301 may include an optional cover which,when in the insertion configuration, eliminates contact between the wire351 and the surrounding tissue. The wire 351 may have a cross-sectionthat is substantially circular, elliptical, triangular, square, or ofany other desired shape. The employment of cross sectional shapes otherthan round, smooth shapes provides corners or edges that may aid inanchoring the wire 351 in the body and provide an additional lockingforce thereto. Additionally, the surface of the wire may be smooth orribbed with a plurality of protrusions to increase the gripping abilityof the anchoring mechanism 350.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5,the anchoring mechanism 450 comprises a flexible wire 451 which isformed as a unitary element with a cable or filament extending throughan endoscope 401. A distal end of the anchoring wire 451 may be attachedto a joint portion 452 on the endoscope 401 while a proximal end of theanchoring wire 451 may be connected to an actuator (not shown) locatedon a proximal portion of the endoscope 401. The anchoring wire 451 mayspan the longitudinal length of the endoscope 401 and extend therefromvia an opening or slit 460 located on a distal length. A distal lengthof the anchoring wire 451, which is comprised of a shape memory materialsuch as Nitinol, may be shape memorized in a shape such as a series ofpetals or a series of bends which expand radially outward from theendoscope 401 when actuated. Those skilled in the art will understandthat the anchoring wire 451 may move into its memorized shape throughthe application of heat, through the action of body heat, by applying asmall electrical jolt thereto. Alternately, the anchoring wire 451 mayrun alongside a portion of the outer body of the endoscope 401, whereinthe wire 451 may be joined to the endoscope 401 along a distal lengththereof with length of the joint portion 452 being indicative of alongitudinal length of the anchoring portion of the anchoring mechanism450.

In a further embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the anchoringmechanism 550 may comprise an anchoring wire 551 which extends out of anendoscope 501 via an opening 560 provided on a distal portion thereof.The anchoring wire 551 is further attached to a distal portion of theendoscope 501 at a joint portion 552. In an insertion configuration, anactuator (not shown) located on a proximal portion of the endoscope 501may be retracted to keep a portion of the anchoring wire 551 extendingbetween the joint portion 552 and the opening 561 constricted againstthe body of the endoscope 501. Accordingly, when the anchoring mechanism550 is actuated, as shown in FIG. 7, a length of the anchoring wire mayextend out of the opening 561 and may be further actuated to assume ashape memorized configuration which, in this embodiment, may be a coiledshape. In an alternate embodiment, a plurality of anchoring wires 551may be provided wherein, when actuated, the plurality of anchoring wires551 extend around the circumference of the endoscope 501 and provide ananchoring means on all sides thereof.

It is submitted that the features of each of the aforementionedembodiments of the present invention may be combined in any manner tocreate a device having desired performance characteristics withoutdeviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Forexample, the anchoring mechanisms according to any of the disclosedembodiments of the present invention may be employed in a sterilitysheath or other device through which an endoscope or other device is tobe inserted to anchor the sheath in a desired location within a bodylumen. Such an embodiment may add to the utility of the presentinvention when traversing difficult regions of the digestive tract andthrough other tortuous parts of the body, as those skilled in the artwill understand. Those skilled in the art will understand that, althoughdevices such as the endoscopes and sheaths described herein are ofteninserted into body lumens via naturally occurring body orifices, thesedevices may be inserted into hollow organs or body lumens via surgicalopenings, wounds, etc. as desired without impacting the operation of theanchoring mechanisms.

In another embodiment, the anchoring device of the present invention maybe integral to an endoscope or, alternatively, can be fixedly orreleasably attachable to an endoscope. Furthermore, the anchoring deviceneed not cover the full length of the endoscope to which it is attachedbut rather, may alternately be attached only to a distal portionthereof. In such an embodiment, the anchoring mechanism may be actuatedin a manner similar to that of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, wherein theactuating cable or filament may extend either outside of the endoscopeor within a working channel of the endoscope. In another embodiment, theanchoring device may be integral to a sheath, wherein wires of theanchoring device may be embedded within the sheath and the distallylocated anchoring mechanism may extend out of the device along a distallength. As indicated above, the device of the present invention may beemployed in a sterility sheath. Alternatively, any of the embodiments ofthe invention may be incorporated in an endoscope or other devicethrough a surrounding sheath. In such an embodiment, the user moves theendoscope or other device through the sheath to a target location anddeploys the anchoring mechanism. The anchoring mechanism pushes theflexible sheath out ward into contact with the lumenal tissue to anchorthe sheath and the endoscope in place.

In yet another alternate embodiment, the device of the presentinvention, as described in FIGS. 3-5 may comprise any plurality ofanchoring wires, wherein the increased number of wires may directlycorrelate to an increased gripping force exerted by the anchoringmechanism or to a more evenly distributed anchoring force, as thoseskilled in the art will understand.

In another alternate embodiment, the device of the present invention mayemploy suction to aid in anchoring the endoscope at a target site withinthe body. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, an endoscope 600 is providedwith an opening 602 fluidly coupled to a suction lumen (not shown) alonga lateral side of a distal portion thereof. The opening 602 is sized topermit a cone 604 to extend therefrom. The cone 604 is a hollow elementextending from a minimum diameter at a proximal lip 606 to a maximumdiameter at a distal lip 608. The proximal lip 606 further comprises aflange 610 that flutes outward to assume a diameter greater than adiameter of the proximal lip 606. The flange 610 may preferably bepermanently attached to the endoscope 600 to prevent the cone 604 frombeing dislodged therefrom.

The cone 604 is formed of a substantially flexible biocompatiblematerial to permit proximal and/or distal deflection thereof duringinsertion to a target location in a body lumen 640. Once the targetlocation has been reached, suction is applied at a proximal end of alumen 614 of the endoscope 600 to cause the cone 604 to attach to a wallof the body lumen 640. A guiding device 612 is then inserted into thelumen 614 to a location extending partially laterally out of the lumen614 and into the cone 604, as shown in FIG. 8. A guide wire 616 isactuated to extend distally out of the guiding device 612 and attach tothe wall of the body lumen 640. An attachment 618 of the guide wire 616may comprise, for example, a knot, hook, latch, or other attachmentmechanism known in the art. Thus, suction applied to the cone 604 helpsmaintain a position of the cone 604 against the wall of the body lumen640 while the attachment 618 of the guide wire 616 locks the endoscopeand further aids in preventing longitudinal movement of the cone againstthe wall of the body lumen 640. The embodiment of FIG. 8 permits acentering of a position of the endoscope relative to walls of the bodylumen 640. Alternatively, the cone 604 may assume any suitable dimensionto permit any positioning of the endoscope 600 relative the body lumen640, as those skilled in the art will understand.

FIG. 9 depicts another alternate embodiment of the present invention, inwhich a suction opening is formed through a wall of an endoscope 700.Specifically, the endoscope 700 is formed substantially similarly to theendoscope 100 with the exception of a suction window 702 formed on aportion of an outer wall thereof. The suction window 702 may bedimensioned to suit the requirement of a body lumen 740 into which theendoscope 700 is inserted. Furthermore, the suction window 702 mayextend over any portion of the endoscope 700 wall without deviating fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention. A visualization window704 may be formed on the endoscope 700 on a location opposite thesuction window 702. The visualization window 704 may be formed as anoutlet for distal ends of optical fibers extending longitudinallythrough the endoscope 700, as those skilled in the art will understand.Alternatively, the visualization window 704 may permit visualization ofthe body lumen 740 using any means known in the art. Positioning thevisualization window 704 opposite the suction window 702 allows anunobstructed view of the body lumen 740 in an operative configuration.Specifically, when a suction force is applied to a proximal portion ofthe lumen 706 of the endoscope 700, the suction window 702 isautomatically drawn into contact with an adjacent surface of the bodylumen 640, thus centering the visualization window 704 therein.

The present invention has been described with reference to specificexemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand thatvarious modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments. Thespecification is, therefore, to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense.

1. A device for accessing tissue within a body lumen, comprising: anelongated body portion defining a lumen; an anchoring mechanismincluding an expanding structure on a distal portion of the elongatedbody portion, the anchoring mechanism moving the expanding structurefrom an insertion configuration in which the expanding structure isconstricted against the device to an operative configuration in a bodyin which the expanding structure expands away from the device withoutaltering a length of the anchoring mechanism; and a control mechanismselectively engaging the anchoring mechanism.
 2. The device according toclaim 1, further comprising: a control wire or filament connected to theanchoring mechanism at a distal end and the control mechanism at aproximal end.
 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the anchoringmechanism comprises a retractable rib mechanism comprising at least twolongitudinally spanning ribs.
 4. The device according to claim 3,wherein a plurality of slits are located along two radial circumferencesof a longitudinal length of the elongated body portion and each of theribs extends out of the device through a first slit and extends backinto the device through a second slit, and wherein the second slit islongitudinally aligned with the first slit.
 5. The device according toclaim 3, wherein a material of the ribs is one of a flexible plastic anda flexible metal.
 6. The device according to claim 3, wherein acontacting surface of each rib is comprises one or both of a highfriction material coating and a ribbed surface with at least oneprotrusion extending outward to aid in gripping an inner wall of alumen.
 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the control mechanismis an actuator handle which moves in a proximal direction to align theribs with respect to the elongated body portion.
 8. The device accordingto claim 7, wherein the elongated body portion comprises a plurality ofslits on a distal portion and wherein moving the actuator in a distaldirection pushes the ribs distally and causes the ribs to protrudethrough the slits in a bowed shape.
 9. The device according to claim 1,wherein the anchoring mechanism comprises a plurality of flexible wiresextending radially around a plurality of sections located at a distalend of the elongated body portion.
 10. The device according to claim 9wherein each flexible wire extends from a proximal connection to acontrol wire connected to the control mechanism to a distal endextending out of a pair of holes placed on a longitudinal length of theelongated body portion.
 11. The device according to claim 10, wherein,when in the operative position, the plurality of flexible wires expandsradially outward and conforms to a shape of one of a body lumen andcavity and wherein, when in a non-operative position, the plurality offlexible wires constrict radially inward and align to an outer wall ofthe device.
 12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the anchoringmechanism comprises one of a flexible wire and a ribbon coiled around adistal length of the elongated body portion.
 13. The device according toclaim 12, wherein one of the flexible wire and the ribbon extends from aproximal connection to the control mechanism and out of a proximalopening in the elongated body portion and terminates in a distal openingin the elongated body portion, assuming a coiled shape between the twoopenings.
 14. The device according to claim 12, wherein, when in theoperative position, a diameter of each coil of the coiled one of theflexible wire and the ribbon expands to conform to one of a body lumenand a body cavity and, wherein, when in a non-operative position, adiameter of each coil constricts radially inward and aligns to an outerwall of the elongated body portion.
 15. A device for accessing tissuewithin a body lumen, comprising: an elongated body portion defining alumen; and an anchoring mechanism including a wire extending through thedevice, exiting the device at a distal opening and extending proximallyalong an outer surface of the elongated body portion to attach to ajoint portion of the elongated body portion, the anchoring mechanismmoving the wire between an insertion configuration in which the wire isseated flush against the outer surface of the elongated body portion andan operative configuration in which the wire extends away from thedevice to engage lumenal tissue.
 16. The device according to claim 15,wherein the anchoring mechanism further comprises an actuator coupled toa proximal portion of the wire so that movement of the actuator in aproximal direction, draws the wire into the insertion configuration. 17.The device according to claim 15, wherein the wire is formed of ashape-memory material, a memorized shape of a portion of the wireextending from the distal opening along the outer surface of theelongated body portion is one of substantially circular, elliptical,petal-shaped, triangular and rectangular.
 18. A device for accessingtissue within a body lumen, comprising: an elongated body portiondefining a lumen; and an anchoring mechanism including an opening formedon a distal portion of the elongated body portion, the openingpermitting an application of a suction force applied at a proximal endof the device to a target portion of the body lumen to engage lumenaltissue.
 19. The device of claim 18, further comprising a conicalabutment attached to the opening, the conical abutment extendingradially distally out of the elongated body portion to apply the suctionforce to the lumenal tissue.
 20. The device of claim 18, furthercomprising a visualization window formed on a portion of the endoscoperadially opposite a location of the anchoring mechanism.